Seth Smith could see his at-bats completely crushed with the addition of Chris Young to what was already a full outfield. Of course, they said the same thing about Smith last year, and he wound up with the second-highest number of plate appearances (441) of his career.

2. What unexpected nonroster player could make the 25-man roster out of spring training?

It's a bit of a stretch, but Michael Choice isn't far from being ready to break into the Oakland outfield. But not only is the outfield jammed, he also needs more time after losing at-bats thanks to a broken thumb (now healed).

3. Predicted batting order

CF Coco Crisp

DH Chris Young

RF Josh Reddick

LF Yoenis Cespedes

1B Brandon Moss

3B Josh Donaldson

C John Jaso

2B Scott Sizemore

SS Hiroyuki Nakajima

There's room for other names. Derek Norris could oust Jaso behind the plate, Jemile Weeks or Adam Rosales could sneak in at second base, and Jed Lowrie will push Nakajima at shortstop.

4. Predicted rotation

LHP Brett Anderson

RHP Jarrod Parker

LHP Tommy Milone

RHP A.J. Griffin

RHP Dan Straily

Although this group figures to get the call during the first week of the season, someone will have to make room for Bartolo Colon when his suspension ends. Griffin and Straily will be feeling the pressure to stay in the rotation.

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5. Which player probably will begin the season on the disabled list?

At this point there are no obvious candidates. The spring begins with the A's basically healthy.

6. Best offseason move

In trading Chris Carter to the Astros to get Jed Lowrie, the A's opened the door for Brandon Moss to play first base every day. Given his production last year, the more Moss at-bats, the better.

7. Offseason head-scratcher

The A's are seeking a five-year extension at the Coliseum. They need a place to stay, but five years? Maybe they've given up waiting for commissioner Bud Selig to act on the club's desire to move to San Jose or to retire and leave the decision to someone else.